You thinking about going? Jamal asked, though his tone suggested he thought the idea was ridiculous. Actually, yeah, I am. Jamal stopped walking.

Seriously? Why not? We pay the same student fees as everyone else. We have just as much right to be there.

Nia, you've been here 3 weeks. You don't understand what prom is like for people like us. Last year, the only black girl who went got accidentally splashed with punch by Tyler's girlfriend. Spent the whole night with a stained dress.

So, we don't go alone. Nia turned to face him fully. We go together. Watch each other's backs.

You want to go to prom with me? Jamal's voice cracked slightly. Not like a real date. Just as friends who refuse to let these idiots run us out of our own school.

Before Jamal could respond, Tyler appeared around the corner with Connor and Brad, flanking him like bodyguards. Well, well, what are we discussing so intensely this morning? Tyler's voice carried that familiar false friendliness that made Nia's skin crawl. "Nothing that concerns you," she replied.

"Oh, but everything concerns me. I'm student body president, after all. Got to keep my finger on the pulse of student life." Tyler's eyes flicked between them. "You two looked pretty deep in conversation. Planning something special?"

Connor stepped closer, invading their personal space. "Maybe they're talking about spring formal. Wouldn't that be cute?"

"Spring formal is for underclassmen," Brad said with a sneer. "They're probably planning something more... urban."

"Actually," Nia said, her voice steady despite the rage building in her chest, "we were talking about prom."

Tyler's eyebrows shot up in mock surprise. Prom? How wonderful. A real Cinderella story. assuming they can afford it.

Connor added, "Tickets are 200 per couple, plus tux rental, dress, dinner." "Oh, I'm sure they'll figure it out," Tyler said smoothly. "Very resourceful, these two. Maybe they can carpool with the cleaning staff," Jamal's hands clenched into fists. "My parents make more money than yours ever will." Of course they do, Tyler said in a tone you'd use with a small child.

Your daddy's a doctor, right? Very impressive. I'm sure he worked twice as hard as everyone else to get where he is. The comment hit its mark.

Jamal's face flushed with anger and humiliation. Leave him alone. Nia stepped between them. I'm being supportive.

I think it's great that Jamal's family has achieved so much despite the obvious challenges. Tyler's smile was poisonous. "And I think it's wonderful that you two want to attend prom." Very brave. "What's that supposed to mean?" Nia asked.

"Nothing at all. Just that prom can be overwhelming for some people. Lot of tradition, lot of expectations. Wouldn't want anyone to feel out of place." Brad laughed.

"Yeah, the country club scene might be a little different from what you're used to. We'll manage," Jamal said quietly, but his voice shook with suppressed rage. "I'm sure you will. You're both very adaptable." Tyler checked his phone.

"Well, we should get to class. Wouldn't want to be late on such a beautiful morning." As they walked away, Connor called back, "Can't wait to see your prom photos. Very historic moment for Riverside High." The hallway felt too small, too bright, too full of staring faces. Nia could see other students watching them, some with curiosity, others with the same cruel amusement as Tyler's crew.

Now, do you see why I don't want to go? Jamal asked quietly. Now I see why we have to go. Nia's voice was still.

They want us to be scared, to hide, to prove their point about us not belonging. So, we show up. We look amazing. We dance and laugh and have the time of our lives.

And when they try to humiliate us, then we handle it together. Prom night arrived with all the fanfare Riverside High could muster.

The hotel ballroom glittered with fairy lights and silver decorations, transforming the space into something that actually lived up to the night under the stars theme. Nia had chosen a deep purple dress that made her feel like royalty. While Jamal looked sharp in his rented tuxedo, his usual nervous energy replaced by quiet confidence. "You clean up nice, Thompson," Nia said as they posed for photos near the entrance.

You too, Washington. Ready to show them what we're made of? They walked into the ballroom together, heads high, ignoring the whispers and stares that followed them like a wake. Several couples moved aside as they passed, creating an invisible bubble around them that spoke louder than any words.

For the first hour, things went better than expected. They danced to the slower songs, laughed at the terrible DJ's attempts at humor, and even managed to enjoy the overpriced dinner. Tyler's crew kept their distance, content to watch from across the room with expressions that promised trouble later. The trouble started when Nia was standing alone by the refreshment table, waiting for Jamal to return from the bathroom.

Tyler appeared beside her like a shadow, his cologne overpowering in the warm air. Having a good time, princess? His voice was silk over steel. It's been fine, thanks.

Nia didn't look at him, focusing instead on ladling punch into two cups. You look beautiful tonight. That dress really brings out your exotic features. Nia's hand tightened on the ladle.

Excuse me. I'm complimenting you. You should say thank you. Tyler stepped closer, invading her personal space.

You know, if you ever get tired of charity cases like Jamal, I could show you what a real man looks like. Get away from me. Come on. Don't be like that.

I'm being nice here. His hand moved toward her waist. Just one dance. Show everyone how progressive I am.

I said no. Nia stepped back, but Tyler followed. Playing hard to get. I like that.

Very authentic. His fingers brushed her arm. Bet you're a wild cat when you get going. Don't touch me.

Nia's voice carried across the nearby tables, drawing stares. That's when Jamal appeared, his face flushed with anger. She said, "Don't touch her." Tyler's expression shifted to mock surprise. Easy there, hero.

Just having a friendly conversation with your date. Friendly? Jamal stepped between them looked more like harassment to me. Harassment?